Gold Medal Gymnast Shannon Miller Teams Up with Washington National to Advocate for Physical and Financial Wellness

CARMEL, Ind., Jan. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Washington National Insurance Company, a national provider of supplemental health and life insurance products for middle-income Americans, is pleased to announce a new partnership with Shannon Miller, seven-time Olympic medalist and champion for health and wellness. 

Together, Washington National and Miller are planning joint projects to effectively share information about the importance of healthy living while increasing awareness of the widespread need for physical and financial wellness.

Miller was a member of the "Magnificent Seven" women's gymnastics team, which memorably claimed the gold medal at the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta, and remains the most decorated U.S. gymnast of all time.

Now retired from the sport, she is a radio and television host, travels the world as a professional speaker and oversees ShannonMillerLifestyle.com, a content-based website devoted to fitness, pregnancy, motherhood, health, wellness and nutrition.  

In 2011, Miller was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer.  After nine weeks of aggressive chemotherapy, Miller is now cancer free.                 

Miller said she's eager to reach people who think diseases like cancer can't or won't happen to them.

"At age 33, my world changed, personally and financially," Miller said.  "A diagnosis like cancer is devastating on its own.  In addition to the physical and emotional toll came the financial burden.  While my medical insurance covered certain expenses, it didn't cover everything.  Anyone who's had a major illness or injury knows how quickly medical and other bills can add up during treatment and recovery, thus I want to help others focus on making their health a priority and encourage them to prepare and plan for the unexpected."              

Barbara Stewart, vice president of strategy and business development for Washington National, said, "We at Washington National are thrilled to partner with Shannon Miller to raise awareness of the real-life challenges that accompany cancer and other critical illnesses, and to focus attention on the importance of both physical and financial wellness.  We can draw hope and inspiration from Shannon's experiences, especially the millions who must battle an illness while raising children or while serving as a caregiver for a family member.  All of us can take action to reduce the likelihood of serious illness, and lessen the financial impact on our families if an illness does occur."

Steve Stecher, president of Washington National, said the company is proud to team up with an American icon and role model who is committed to encouraging and educating others.

Since 1911, Washington National has helped working Americans maintain wellness, access preventive care and afford the medical and nonmedical costs associated with critical illnesses, accidents and loss of life.               

About Shannon Miller
Shannon Miller is the most decorated gymnast in American history, having earned two gold, two silver and three bronze medals in two Olympic Games.  Since retiring from competitive gymnastics, she has hosted TV, radio and web programs and created a series of wellness-related books and DVDs.  A wife and mother, Miller survived a 2011 bout with a rare form of ovarian cancer and continues to advocate for physical and financial wellness.  To learn more, visit www.ShannonMillerLifestyle.com.

About Washington National Insurance Company
Washington National Insurance Company, a subsidiary of CNO Financial Group, Inc., has helped Americans since 1911 to protect themselves and their families from the financial hardship that often comes with critical illness, accidents or loss of life.  The company's supplemental health and life insurance products are designed to help give policyholders and their loved ones peace of mind. Policyholders can depend on Washington National to be a strong, caring partner in helping to provide financial security for them and their families.  To learn more, visit www.WashingtonNational.com

SOURCE Washington National Insurance Company